Xi Yang Shen (American ginseng) is sweet, slightly bitter and cool. It helps to strengthen Qi, nourish yin and generate fluids. Xi Yang Shen wine is ideal to help recovery from feverish illnesses or for chronic cases of qi and yin deficiency. In addition to making a delicious aperitif, this wine can be used for all sorts of meat marinades, especially duck, chicken and pigeon.

September 29, 2010

'Huang Qi' 黃耆 Astragalus is one of the most helpful tonic herbs from the Asian materia medica. This sweet and warm herbal medicine is categorized in the same category as Ginseng, and the two herbs have some similar properties. Astragalus is used in many formulas and is good for people who show some weakness or signs of deficiency. The strengthening properties of this plant will help to balance out and build up the person's weakness. However, Astragalus is not particularly helpful for people who are prone to excess stagnation (thick tongue coating).

How to Use Astragalus:

Astragalus can be used in many ways. The dried root slices are often cooked in water to extract the medicinal components. The herb can also be taken internally in granular form, as a powder and in an alcohol extract (either as a tincture or as a wine).